Latest Articles
Landscaping Boulders, Mounds (Berms)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Topsoil is imported to create mounds or berms, and often large boulders are included to further increase vertical interest. Mounding can create a very welcome addition to a flat site if the proper design and installation techniques are followed. The first consideration is the relationship between the size of the raised area and its height. Continue reading →
Late Winter Chores - More on Pruning
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
So much good is accomplished by proper pruning technique, but so much damage can be inflicted by ignorance - this is one gardening technique that you really must understand thoroughly. Or you should understand enough to know when to seek professional advice or services. Continue reading →
Down and Dirty - Understanding Your Soil
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 29, 2012
The very first consideration in new landscaping should be the condition of the native soil; the most beautiful design and efficient planning will go to waste if the landscape is installed in a poor soil environment. Soil is a living, breathing ecosystem. Continue reading →
Creating Your Planting Areas
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 29, 2012
In most cases, it is best to create planting beds with a slight crown, or hill, near the middle of the bed and sloping downward toward the edges. This will help to keep roots out of standing water during very wet periods. In very sandy soils, however, level beds are OK. Continue reading →
Basic Concepts: Line and Form for Landscaping
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 29, 2012
The form of structures should be considered for landscaping, as well as the relationship between this form and the form of adjacent plants. Forms may complement or contrast; we may use tall, columnar plant forms around a building with very steep, projecting roof lines to complement the architecture. Continue reading →
Designing a Landscape Lighting System
by Guest Post on Apr 29, 2012
Before deciding what and how to light, we must first ask: why light? Our design decisions are dependent on proposed uses for landscape lighting...for safety, security, property value, or enhancement of the beauty of the garden and structures. Continue reading →
Removing Rubber Heel Marks from Floors
by Michigan State University on Apr 28, 2012
You just clean your floor and someone walks across it, leaving a trail of ugly black rubber marks. If you have ever spent a frustrating time on your knees trying to scrub and remove rubber marks from your floor, there are easier ways to erase the mess. Put away the abrasives that can scratch the floor and try one of these methods to quickly remove rubber marks. Continue reading →
Removing Urine Stains from Floors
by Michigan State University on Apr 28, 2012
Chances are your dog did not make it outside, your child didn't make it all the way to the bathroom or you inherited a home with preexisting conditions. Whatever your circumstance, removing urine stains from a wood floor is no easy task. Here are some ideas for the long-term removal of urine smells and stains. Continue reading →
How to Remove and Replace Broken Ceramic Tiles
by Jessica Ackerman on Apr 28, 2012
Ceramic tile flooring has been popular for years, and its popularity continues to grow. Not only is ceramic tile flooring stylish and attractive, but it is also sturdy, easy to clean, and with proper care, it can last for decades. If something heavy is dropped, the tiles can crack or break. Continue reading →
Repairing Floor Coverings after a Flood
by Michigan State University on Apr 28, 2012
Flood is a dreaded calamity that occurs in an unexpected time. A flood causes severe damage to properties and livelihood of people ranging from thousands to billions of dollars in destruction. But some of these can easily be fixed, depending on the severity of damage. Continue reading →
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
107297 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
80980 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
73537 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
59353 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
36303 Views
Latest Articles
Signs You Need Professional Plumbing Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs
Ignoring the signs of a pending plumbing disaster can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. For instance, homeowners might not realize...
on Jan 20, 2026
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair is Essential for Modern Homeowners
on Jan 14, 2026
Hydro Jetting Services: Unclog Your Pipes with the Power of Water
When faced with stubborn clogs and slow drains, conventional solutions often fall short. But with the innovation of hydro jetting services,...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Heat Pump Installation is Key to Maximizing Efficiency and Longevity
Heat pumps are a highly efficient means of heating and cooling homes, reducing energy costs and contributing to environmental sustainability. To...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Boiler Repair is Essential for Home Safety and Comfort
Maintaining a warm and safe home environment is paramount for any homeowner. Your home's boiler system plays a critical role in this, but what...
on Nov 5, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 150
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 121
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Safety / Security — 114
- Doors / Garages — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Wallpaper Repair - Repasting, Blisters, Tears, Spots
Damaged wallpaper can be repaired. It's ideal if you have extra wallpaper that matches the pattern for repairs. Repasting, removing clusters,...
Vanities - The Essence of Your Bathroom
When you’re constructing a bathroom the most important decision you have to take is choosing a vanity. A bathroom is an important part of your home...
Removing Spots and Scratches from Wood Floors
Black heel marks and other stubborn spots can often be removed by rubbing gently with fine steel wool and the solvent-based wax used on the floor....
The Importance of Drainage in the Landscape
Drainage problems can be caused by seasonally high water tables, ponding of surface water, poor soil permeability or a combination of these...
Ideas for Updating Your Kitchen on a Budget
It's hard to say an exact dollar amount, but improvements in the Bathroom and Kitchen have the highest return on investment when are sell a new....